Debate starts at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

By Kathleen Ryan, Public News Service, CO

October 3, 2012 (Denver) -- All eyes will be on Denver tonight as the first presidential debate of the 2012 election season gets under way. The debate between President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will focus on domestic issues.

Both candidates could be at risk here, says Ken Bickers, a political science professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder. The economic recovery on Obama's watch has been slow, he says, while Romney was caught on video saying 47 percent of Americans are dependent on government entitlements - comments many said made him seem out of touch with the average person.

By Miriam Raftery

September 30, 2012 (El Cajon)—Councilman Tony Ambrose was appointed in March to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Jillian Hanson-Cox.  Now he’s running for re-election, one of seven candidates vying for three seats.  After serving more than 20 years on the city’s Planning Commission and previously chairing the East County Economic Development Council, he brings experience along with some new ideas to the Council position.  A Republican, like the other incumbent Council members, Ambrose shares some values with his colleagues—but differs on some key issues. 

In an exclusive interview with ECM, Ambrose shares his detailed vision for improving the economy and quality of life in El Cajon.

Republican maverick has challenged his party on ethical issues in past, says he avoids "special interest money"

By Janis Mork

September 28, 2012 (San Diego)- Republican Michael Crimmins is running against Democrat Juan Vargas for Congress in the 51st district, which includes the entire border with Mexico and Imperial Valley. View a map of the district: http://www.crimminsforcongress.com/map/.  The seat is open, since incumbent Congressman Bob Filner is stepping down to run for Mayor of San Diego.

Crimmins says he running because he wants to make a difference.  His qualifications include military service and an education background. He is a retired military officer and San Diego teacher with two master degrees in education.  Currently he resides in Point Loma, which is not in the district.  If elected, he says he would move to Imperial Beach.  Married in Florida in 1977, he divorced in 1988 and has a daughter, Ashley, a flight attendant.

September 26, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Lori Kern-Greenberg is running for  the Helix Water Board against long-time incumbent Chuck Muse.  In a questionnaire sent by La Mesa Citizens Oversight Group, she answers detailed questions on water rates and accuses board members of "lining their own pockets" while ignoring the needs of ratepayers in the district.

"Water is not a commodity. It is not bought and sold on the stock market. Water is a necesssity and the board has a responsibility to the ratepayers to keep all rates as low as possible," she states, adding that she wants to change the tiered-rate structure so that everyone will pay the same rate. 

September 24, 2012 (Washington D.C.)-- Did you know that if you live in a certain town or view certain websites, or if you use a Mac instead of a PC, you could be paying more when you shop online?  Most consumers are unaware that Internet companies are now adopting a practice known as “dynamic pricing.” Without their knowledge they are using consumers’ personal information - including browser history or IP address– to alter the price of the products.

September 24, 2012 (Sacramento)--Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday, September 21 signed into law three bills by Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) aimed at assisting military families and returning veterans.

“I’m thrilled that the governor approved my bills – AB 1904, AB 2202 and AB 2462. They will help California repay the tremendous debt we owe our veterans,” Block said.

Block’s AB1731 requires lifesaving testing of newborns for heart disease

September 17, 2012 (San Diego)--Little Caleb Peltier celebrated his second birthday today at the Balboa Park playground with his parents, his brother and some new friends who all celebrated the fulfillment of the one birthday wish they all had for the toddler who has experienced more familiarity with hospitals, surgeries, and emergency rooms than many adults.

September 23, 2012 (San Diego) -- For the first time ever, voters in our state can now register completely online -- no paper form needed. Californians whose current addresses match the address they have on file with the DMV can register (or reregister) at www.sandiegovotes.org.

September 22, 2012 (San Diego) – A local organization is accusing Congressman Brian Bilbray of being a “slum lord.”  The independent expenditure group, Much Better Choices, has filmed a video revealing numerous apparent building code violations.   Fox 5 aired the video on Sept. 21.

The video shows old boats, gas cans, a trash-littered weedy lot, and a dilapidated trailer with a growth resembling mold or fungus around windows--all on an unfenced lot adjacent to a school. Neighbors confirm the allegations and have said that they hope to see fines levied and the mess cleaned up.  

By Janis Mork

September 18, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Several local school districts have ballot propositions on the November ballot, including Cajon Valley, Mountain Empire, San Diego Unified, Dehesa, Ramona Unified, Grossmont- Cuyamaca Community College, Chula Vista, and South Bay. All need 55% to pass instead of the usual 2/3 majority vote, according to Prop 39 that was passed several years ago. Below are details on each proposition, along with comments from Superintendents in each district.

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Author H. Jackson Brown once observed that “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” 

Now a video shot secretly during a fundraiser for Mitt Romney with wealthy donors is sparking controversy over his apparent insensitivity to nearly half of the American people. In the video, which Romney admits is authentic, the presidential candidate is seen insulting Americans who receive any form of public assistance—including recipients of Social Security and Medicare, as well as military veterans, students, the disabled and the poor.  He also slammed those who pay no taxes—from retirees to some of his own wealthy patrons.

His remarks have drawn sharp criticisms even from many conservative Republican commentators.

September 19, 2012 (San Diego) – Senator Kehoe (D-San Diego)  has several bills that have passed the Legislature and are awaiting action by the Governor, as well as one measure signed into law.  Pending measures include bills to prohibit charges on homeowners producing solar power, protect open space in San Diego, and require general plans to address fire hazards. Others include measures to require that retired judges draw new lines for County Supervisors’ districts and to extend party central committee terms to four years.

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – Well, now we know. The 2012 Presidential election won’t just be between incumbent Democrat Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but between two starkly different philosophies not only of politics, or how to revive the economy and preserve the capitalist system, but also of life itself and what it means to be human. It won’t be a serious debate over how much government the American people want, or how they propose to pay for it. Nor will it really be about the budget deficit or the national debt, however much Republicans — especially their vice-presidential candidate, Congressmember Paul Ryan —might claim the moral high ground on that issue even though their giveaway tax cuts to the ultra-rich will actually make the national debt bigger, not smaller.

The League of Women Voters of San Diego (including East County) will be having its next "Lunch with the League" on Monday, September 17 at Tom Ham's Lighthouse Restaurant, 2150 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, San Diego.  

The program at the luncheon is "Voting with the League: Why is the League Supporting or Opposing Certain Propositions?"  Propositions 30, 31, 32, 34, and 40.